ABI Research Forecasts Virtual Reality Device Shipments Will Hit 110 Million by 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After a content-starved market introduction, virtual reality (VR) is ready to thrive off a swath of new and compelling content choices. ABI Research forecasts total VR device shipments will reach 110 million by 2021. While mobile device-reliant VR shipmentsâ�”such as Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydreamâ�”dwarf today's other VR device types, standalone devices will see a 405% CAGR through 2021, compared to a 42% CAGR for mobile VR. New device players, including Royole and Pico, already entered the global market, with many other Chinese manufacturers poised to expand.

"Mobile VR built a solid foundation for the overall market over the past few years, but standalone VR devices will eventually drive it," says Eric Abbruzzese, Senior Analyst at ABI Research. "Low cost and high accessibility has, and will continue to, drive VR adoption with mobile devices and associated VR accessories. However, a trend toward standalone devices is surfacing, and will continue over the next five years until mobile and standalone VR devices see parity in terms of shipments."

With an influx of standalone VR devices incoming, a greater range of use cases will be explored, broadening the gaming-focused VR market of today. ABI Research anticipates a total market size of $64 billion by 2021. Non-gaming software and content, VR advertising, and VR-related video revenue will together hold a significant portion of the market. VR applications in retail and marketing will therefore see a 124% CAGR through 2021. Video, education, and tourism are expected to see significant growth, as well, and while not forecast to be as large as the gaming market, will be notable.

"The three primary VR device typesâ�”mobile, standalone, and tetheredâ�”are entering the market with unique value propositions, target audiences, and use case support," says Sam Rosen, Managing Director and Vice President at ABI Research. "However, there is the less understood market of mixed reality on the horizon. MR incorporates elements of augmented reality to VR devices, as evident in Intel's Alloy reference design. Associated machine vision technology like RealSense or Google's Tango opens a compelling AR/VR hybrid opportunity on the mobile platform. Taking the best of both AR and VR will open up the enterprise market further, and will enable entirely new use cases and applications not yet conceived."

ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market research, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.